The Center for Countering Disinformation at the NSDC of Ukraine reports on possible information provocation aimed at redirecting migrants to the Ukrainian-Belarusian border

Experts of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine continue to constantly monitor information messages on the situation on the border between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Belarus.

The CCD notes that, according to information published by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of the Republic of Poland, rumors are being spread among the refugees near the Polish border that Germany is ready to accept refugees and that some logistical decisions were allegedly made: “coaches from Germany will come pick them up from the border and Poland will let them through”.

Polish officials deny this information as the one aimed at encouraging migrants to storm the Polish border and warn against ill-considered actions.

In turn, BBC News Russian reports that in order to reduce the spread of disinformation among migrants, text messages are being sent to all non-Polish mobile phone numbers in the border area urging them not to believe these rumors: “The Polish border is well protected”. The same messages are duplicated by loudspeakers at border checkpoints.

The CCD experts predict that similar provocation tactics could be used in the direction of the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. In particular, an information provocation might emerge that some of Ukraine’s neighboring countries are allegedly ready to accept refugees who only need to cross the territory of Ukraine.

Given the current situation, the CCD sent recommendations to the relevant authorities on the need to take preventive measures in advance, in particular, to formulate messages in English, Arabic, and other languages ​​with information on domestic legislation governing migration issues and the legal consequences of illegal border crossing. The messages should be intended to preventively inform persons who may attempt to cross the Ukrainian-Belarusian border illegally.